Pompano Wants Parks On Beach Land

Commission Oks Decision

Voters Will Now Decide

The long and sordid history of the city's beachside parking lots may be almost over.

For years the publicly owned land -- some of the most valuable in the city -- has stood as a symbol of Pompano Beach's fight against intense development.

The lots have attracted kingmakers who wanted to build mammoth towers on them. And city leaders who welcomed the development have been toppled.

Now, the end could be near.

This week, commissioners unanimously voted to turn the beachside lots, south of the Jamaica House condominium at 305 N. Pompano Beach Blvd. and separated by State Road A1A, into parks. Forever.

And to make sure future city leaders never reverse their resolution, voters will be asked in the next general election whether they, too, want the land to remain public.

"I think that we would be establishing a legacy for the people of Pompano Beach," Mayor John Rayson told his colleagues during Tuesday's commission meeting. "I think we would be the envy of any city that borders the Atlantic Ocean in Broward County with this type of park facility. I think it would provide room for a beach civic center. There are so many opportunities."

Rayson proposed to build parking garages on small sections of each lot, and turn the rest into parks.

"I think we need to do it right the first time and have a plan put together by a consultant or qualified person," said Commissioner Kay McGinn, who represents the beach.

Although the latest decision was unanimous among leaders, it wasn't always that way.

In 2002, city commissioners approved a 600-unit project proposed by developer Michael Swerdlow, who wanted to erect two 30- to 40-story condominium towers.

But with the toppling of Mayor Bill Griffin by voters angry over his support of the project, a new City Commission reversed its position and blocked Swerdlow.

The developer later sued the city seeking damages. The suit is pending.

Another well-known developer, Terry Stiles, approached the commission a year ago to build a 500-room hotel, restaurants, a spa and health club, a swimming pool, stores and condominiums. That plan was scuttled quickly and early by a commission scared of another debacle.

"We want green, open spaces," McGinn said. "We don't want to have walled-in condo communities on the beach. We want open spaces. I'm elated that the City Commission is in agreement about this. I think it shows our vision for the future."

Jean-Paul Renaud can be reached at jprenaud@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4556.